The Federal Ministry of Works has initiated urgent repairs on a damaged section of the Shagamu-Benin Expressway, specifically the Benin-bound carriageway of a bridge at the border of Edo and Ondo states. The damage, identified as a puncture on one of the bridge’s five spans, is attributed to age-related deterioration, given that the bridge was constructed in 1981. While a temporary fix is being implemented to restore traffic flow within 45 days, allowing for concrete curing, a more comprehensive and permanent solution involving a full deck reconstruction of the affected bridge sections is planned. This proactive approach aligns with the Renewed Hope administration’s commitment to revitalizing the nation’s infrastructure.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dispatched a team of engineers to assess the situation and oversee the immediate repairs. The temporary solution involves repairing the damaged section to ensure the safety and facilitate the continued movement of vehicles. Recognizing the inconvenience this poses to road users, the ministry, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps, will manage traffic flow on the unaffected carriageway to minimize disruption and prevent traffic jams. The ministry assures the public that the temporary repairs will be completed swiftly, allowing for the resumption of normal traffic flow within the stipulated timeframe.
Beyond the immediate repairs, the Minister has outlined a more comprehensive plan for a permanent solution: a complete reconstruction of the bridge deck using innovative engineering technology. This approach aims not only to fix the current damage but also to address the underlying issue of age-related deterioration and enhance the bridge’s overall structural integrity. This long-term solution represents a significant investment in the Shagamu-Benin Expressway, a crucial artery in the national road network. The ministry emphasizes that this proactive approach is in alignment with President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure.
The minister’s announcement also highlighted the broader context of infrastructure renewal within the Renewed Hope agenda. He emphasized that the Shagamu-Benin bridge repair is not an isolated incident but part of a larger national effort to rehabilitate over 30 bridges in 2025 alone. This ambitious undertaking underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing the backlog of infrastructure needs across the country and modernizing the nation’s transportation network. The minister further emphasized President Tinubu’s vision for transforming the transport sector, positioning it as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.
Furthermore, the minister acknowledged and thanked the individual who initially brought the bridge damage to public attention. While acknowledging some preconceived notions about the pace of the administration’s infrastructure initiatives, the minister reassured the public that the Renewed Hope agenda for road infrastructure is on track. He emphasized the significant progress being made across the board in revitalizing and strengthening the inherited and often deteriorating federal road network. The acknowledgment of public input highlights the importance of citizen engagement in monitoring and reporting infrastructure concerns.
In concluding, the minister reiterated the President’s unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria’s transport sector and leveraging it for sustainable economic prosperity. The Renewed Hope legacy projects, combined with ongoing inherited projects, are part of a comprehensive strategy to expand and upgrade the national road network. This initiative is envisioned to stimulate economic growth across various sectors, including healthcare, education, tourism, regional integration, and industrialization, ultimately contributing to a higher human development index for the nation. The minister underscored the integral role of a robust transportation network in facilitating national development and improving the overall quality of life for citizens.
